Incumbents Secure Major Wins in Maury County Republican Primary

Issue #167

02 Aug

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

⛈ Columbia Weather - Scattered thunderstorms with a high of 91

🗳 Incumbents Secure Major Wins in Maury County Republican Primary

🏐 Apex Boys Volleyball Club: Tryouts on August 10 & 17 🏐 

🎡 Williamson County Fair Opens Today

📌 Tonight: First Fridays in Downtown Columbia

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📣 We Want To Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, August 2nd

Saturday, August 3rd

Sunday, August 4th

Monday, August 5th

Tuesday, August 6th

Wednesday, August 7th

Thursday, August 8th

Friday, August 9th

Saturday, August 10th

Incumbents Secure Major Wins in Maury County Republican Primary

Final unofficial voting results reveal that incumbents triumphed in significant races in the Maury County Republican State Primary, including the Tennessee House of Representatives and the 5th Congressional District.

In the House 64th District race, incumbent Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, secured 3,950 votes, defeating challenger Ray Jeter, a Columbia native, who received 3,294 votes across 22 precincts.

In the highly competitive 5th Congressional District race, first-term U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R, emerged ahead with 6,530 votes in Maury County. His challenger, Courtney Johnston, R, garnered 3,621 votes. As of 7:40 p.m., with over 35% of results in, Ogles maintained a lead over Johnston in Wilson, Williamson, Marshall counties, and his home Maury County. Despite Johnston’s significant early vote lead in Davidson County, earning more than 6,000 votes to Ogles’ 3,800, Ogles ultimately secured 54.8% of the votes to Johnston’s 45.2% as of 8:27 p.m.

Ogles, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, will now face Democratic nominee Maryam Abolfazli, who ran unopposed in her primary, in November.

Additionally, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn showed a strong performance in Maury County, leading with 8,884 votes over Tres Wittum's 1,150 votes, based on early voting results.

Democratic Primary Results

Eileen Longstreet had 832 votes, surpassing Alex Pierce's 578, to clinch the 64th District Democratic Primary in Maury County.

In the Democratic Primary for Tennessee U.S. Senator, Gloria Johnson emerged as the winner. She will go on to face Marsha Blackburn in the November election.

Maury County School Board Election Results

In the Maury County School Board District 2 race, Frank Bellamy secured 609 votes, defeating Robert Plageman, who received 313 votes. In District 4, Darryl Martin took the top spot with 644 votes, surpassing Chandler Anderson, who garnered 377 votes.

District 5 saw the closest race, with challenger David Moore narrowly edging out Justin Hauke, who is fulfilling an unexpired term on the board. Moore achieved 534 votes, just ahead of Hauke's 517.

In District 8, Brendan Babcock came out on top with 823 votes, while Gregory Hanners received 304 votes.

Uncontested races included Sue Stephenson for District 6 and Lesa Webster-Dawson for District 10. 

🏐 Apex Boys Volleyball Club: Tryouts August 10 & 17

Apex Boys Volleyball Club, founded in 2023, is more than just a club—it's a movement bringing the exciting world of boys' volleyball to our community.

As the only competitive boys' volleyball club south of Nashville, Apex is pioneering the sport for young men in our region. The club offers both indoor and beach volleyball opportunities for boys aged 10 to 18, filling a gap in local sports offerings.

Under the leadership of Tim Cooper, the club's director and co-founder, Apex Boys Volleyball has seen tremendous growth in its first year. Tim, a seasoned volleyball player and coach with nearly a decade of coaching experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine love for the sport. His vision extends beyond just teaching volleyball; it's about shaping well-rounded individuals who excel on and off the court.

At Apex, young men are challenged to become leaders in all aspects of life. They learn to compete wholeheartedly, win with humility, and face defeats with dignity.

What sets Apex apart is its commitment to holistic development. Coached by former collegiate players, the athletes enjoy engaging practices and competitive games while being part of a supportive community. Cooper's experience is particularly inspiring—he's coached players from age 7 to 60+ and even led two teams overseas to Thailand and Ivory Coast for competitions and humanitarian work.

The club offers a comprehensive program that includes a full Fall season from August to February, Beach Volleyball in June and July, indoor camps, and private lessons.

Looking ahead, Apex Boys Volleyball plans to expand within Maury County and surrounding areas, advocating for boys volleyball in schools and working closely with the TN Boys Volleyball Association to establish school teams. This club is not just about volleyball; it's about creating opportunities, building character, and nurturing future leaders.

Tryouts: August 10 & 17
Available for ages 10-18yrs old. No previous experience necessary, just a desire to learn one of the most exciting and fun sports around.

9 AM - 12 PM
Hustle Factory Sports Complex
5191 Joe Peay Rd, Spring Hill

🎡 Williamson County Fair Opens Today 🎡

The Williamson County Fair opens today, offering a week of fun and excitement at the Agricultural Expo Park in Franklin. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including the butterfly garden, competitive livestock shows, and the thrilling midway rides. This year's fair features new events and educational exhibits, providing entertainment for all ages.

Attendees can enjoy the Pickin' Porch for live music, watch fascinating demonstrations, and participate in special events like the hay bale decorating contest. Don't miss the chance to sample delicious fair food and browse unique vendor booths. The fair runs August 2-10, celebrating community spirit and local talent.

Monday – Thursday: Gates Open at 6:00 pm
Building Hours: 6:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m.
Midway: Closes at 11:00 p.m

Saturday: Gates Open at 10:00 am
Building Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Midway: Closes at Midnight

Friday: Gate Open at 6:00 pm
Building Hours: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Midway: Closes at Midnight

Sunday: Gates Open at Noon
Building Hours: 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.
Midway: Closes at 11:00 p.m

4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN

For more details and event schedules, visit the Williamson County Fair website.

Tonight: First Fridays in Downtown Columbia

On the FIRST Friday of each month, April through December, we're closing down the street in historic downtown Columbia from 5pm to 8pm for FIRST FRIDAYS. This is a free, family-friendly event with a vendor market, food trucks, street performers, & a cruise-in. And don't miss FIRST FRIDAYS 'INSIDERS', select merchants have created an experience inside of their stores... look for the balloons to identify participating merchants!

Check out this month's list of INSIDERS...

Elia (giveaway and 2 young entrepreneurs- AdieRose) 

Bleu32 (floral arrangements by Jessica Herning on the 3rd floor) 

Tin Cottage (Country Dumplin and Barman Nashville) 

Gather (Samples by Blondy's Baked Goods and Love Sourdough) 

Farmstead Market (LIVE Jazz music 2nd floor) 

TEDS (LIVE music)

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, August 2nd

Box of Rox, Grinder's Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
The Sternwheelers, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The Austin Brothers, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Black Hole Sons, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, August 3rd

Crossbridges, Amber Falls Winery, 3-7 PM
Tom Saffel & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
2 Way Mirror, The Tilted Mule, 7 PM
Boomerang, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
New Binge Music, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
The Wentzel Brothers Band, Ember’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, August 4th

Braise Killen, Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Gentry Blue, Rebel Bar & Grill, 4-7 PM
Archer, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 5-8 PM
Brian & Aletha Golden, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

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